Life Like FA-FB set

[n2mopac]

I just acquired one of the semi-new Life Like FA-FB sets. The A unit runs adequately, but the B unit is the most unbelievably slow locomotive I've ever seen. The speed difference between the two at equal power is incredible. Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon? Is this normal for this A-B set? Is there any way to "soup up" and speed up that lagging B unit. Any and all input would be appreciated.
Ron

[BRAKIE]

Sorry to tell you this,mine is a perfect match and runs beautifully together.Lifelike matches these units together so they will run well.I suspect your B unit may have a problem.Check the unit to see if anything is dragging or rubbibg.If you find nothing amiss then contact lifelike.

[Anonymous]

If, after running the B unit independently for a few hours things don't improve, then call life life at 1-800-638-1470.
They will probably tell you to return JUST the chassis( I have done this more than once) for a replacement. I usually send mine Prority, delivery confirmation requested(I can track it on the computer) for $3.95. Enclose a copy of your recent purchase(within 90 days) and a letter of explanation and they won't ask for $5.00 return shipping. You should receive the replacement in eight days.
Flukes happen.
Happy railroading.

[n2mopac]

I suppose I should have clarified that this is the Alco FA1/FB1 set. I doubt this matters, but in case it does...

[Anonymous]

Ron, Alco need not apply. Like Larry said you need a close match. My experience with lifelike has been good. After you explain via telephone, in order to match the speeds properly, they may suggest returning both A & B Chassis, otherwise you still could end up with a speed variance.

I know of one modeler that ended up with a new 2-8-8-2 steamer from them and that's big bucks.

[thirdrail1]

You also don't say which scale it is. I know Life-Like makes the FA1-FB1 set in N scale, do they also make it in HO? There is always a variation in motor speeds and the smaller the motor the more likely the variation.

[Anonymous]

Ron,
I have an N scale Kato E8/E9 twin locomotive matched pair set, and the A engine runs a bit faster than the other engine. The B unit should be just slightly slower, so it isn't pushing the A as well as pulling cars along. If I uncouple them, the A is slightly faster, but not by a lot. You may want to run both independently, and at different speeds for a while, then test them together again. I'm actually getting an N scale Life Like FA/B set Saturday and I'll let you know how my units run. Pete

[n2mopac]

Thanks all. By the way, this is the N scale set. I have talked to Life Like on the phone. We are in the process of troubleshooting, but so far they have been nothing but helpful and cooperative. I'll keep you up on the progress.
Ron

[Anonymous]

If you use DCC, you could match their speeds. But it sounds like something is wrong if there is a big difference.

[Anonymous]

Ron,
Well I didn't get that Life Like Alco set. I wanted a Great Northern pair, but it was gone. I hear that LifeLike is coming out with another series of PA's though. They will have new body tooling though. I hope they have GN! If LifeLike can't help you, maybe call your shop and see if they might be willing to swap frames for a speed matched set which could benefit you and them. They might do it as long as your unit is new with low "mileage". Also another note, I bought another Kato SD90 in the hopes it would run with 1 I have, but it didn't. It runs a lot faster though, laps the other SD90 surprisingly, but runs tight with my Dash9. I've heard that this sometimes will happen but most commonly, the same engines run together. Oh well, I still need another SD90!
Later, Pete

[Anonymous]

Are these model train actually made to run multiple. That is maybe asking to much of the simple electrics.

[Anonymous]

That depends on what type of engine and the power of your powerpacks. I've got a fairly powerful pack, and a small layout, so running 2 and even 3 engines lashed up is alright. I've found that the Atlas SD60 engines (N scale), run excelent together, (I have 3 now, want more!). But if your power pack is weaker, you can have problems. I know a lot of people seem to be running multiple engines, sometimes 3-4 units.

[Anonymous]

Trouble with working on N guage is you have to be really really small! Jerry

[Anonymous]

Jerry, The trade off is that N scale is for people who can handle a BIG train! You can get a lot into a small amount of space. Pete